SYLLABUS

CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY I 

2017-2018
Ronald Reagan/Doral Senior High
Ms. Begoña Seijas
bseijas@dadeschools.net
www.reaganaperture.blogspot.com


COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course is an introduction to the fundamental, technical, and aesthetic issues of black and white photography. This includes thorough instruction in 35mm camera operation, film and print processing; basic lighting concepts, composition, introduction to Photoshop; scanning and printing images.


RATIONALE: The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to black and white photography. Students will learn to use the photographic process in the dark room and of digital technology to create original works of art that reflect knowledge of the principles of design and the elements of art.

 Learn the parts and proper use of a 35mm SLR camera.

 Learn how to load and unload film into a camera.

 Develop black & white film properly.

 Exhibit good composition when taking photographs. Utilize the basics of composition, elements of art, design principles, and use of light and exposure in order to improve their photographic techniques.

 Learn how to make artistic decisions in photography by the manipulation of aperture and shutter speed settings.

 Learn how to use a dark room enlarger.

 Learn how to develop the print.

 Learn how to make contact sheets, test strips, and start to access exposure times from test strips.

 Experiment with enlarger filters.

 Experiment with dark room printing controls such as "burning" and "dodging".

 Exhibit proper and safe use of all equipment and chemicals, and show good dark room etiquette.

 Experience and participate in group critiques and project presentation.

 Investigate the history and origins of photography.

 Practice taking photos of a variety of different subjects including but not limited to still life, people, crowds, and scenery.

 To keep an organized photography portfolio for the entire school year that consists of all negatives, contact sheets, test strips and final prints.

 To meet project deadlines and participate in group critiques.

 To experience a digital imaging unit in which a computer and scanner are used to manipulate photographs.

 Introduction to basic tools in Photoshop.

 Learn presentation techniques and create a professional portfolio.


SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS: Students are responsible for their own supplies, equipment
and materials.


Listed below are required supplies:

• 3-ring binder. (1 ½” or 2”)

• Sheet protectors

• 5x7 or 8x10 Sketchbook/Journal

• 35mm SLR camera with manual controls. (Pentax, Canon, Minolta, Nikon, etc.)
(HIGHLY RECOMMEND)



The school has a few cameras that students are allowed to check out. Considering the amount of students taking a Photography 1 level course, it is highly recommended that students purchase their own 35mm SLR film camera. School cameras are on a first come, first serve basis, failure to check out a camera is NOT an excuse for not having their assignments completed by the designated due date.



LAB FEE:

There is a $60.00 lab fee. The lab fee will cover your film, photographic paper, photographic chemicals, photographic supplies, and darkroom and specialty accessories. Students will be given the necessary amount of supplies for completing all assignments. Students who need extra materials may purchase them. This fee must be paid in the beginning of the school year. I know this is an expensive fee, but if you were to buy all materials at any photo store you will be spending more than $200.


Cameras can be purchased at any photography store such as World Wide Foto or online at B&H Photo, Adorama, eBay or Amazon.com.



CLASS RULES:

 Come to class and get here on time. Attendance is very important.

 Come to class prepared: film, assignments, sketchbook, binder.

 Allow others to learn by refraining from talking and calling out. Raise your hand to speak.

 Listen carefully and follow instructions.

 No cell phones or electronic devices allowed in class or in the darkroom.

 Use safety in the classroom and darkroom.

 Respect materials and equipment. Use equipment properly.

 Follow the Code of Student Conduct.



GRADES:

A: 90 – 100
B: 80 – 89
C: 70 – 79
D: 60 – 69
F: 59 – 0


EVALUATION:

PROJECTS, ASSIGNMENTS & PRINTS : 75%

QUIZZES/PHOTO ANALYSIS/SKETCHBOOK/BINDERS : 20%

QUARTERLY EXAM:  5%


Students are required to submit work on specific due dates. Due dates will be given at the time the project is assigned. Assignments and due dates will also be posted on the website.

Critiques will be held after each assignment. Critiques of assignments are important to the progress of each student. The critique fosters development of an ability to verbalize visual concepts. Critiques are a time for articulating your ideas and formal decisions. Participation in critiques is required.

Students will have quizzes throughout the grading period that will relate to the work in class.

Binders must be kept in an organize way with all assignments, negatives, contact sheets and prints in their proper negative sleeves and sheet protectors. Binders will be graded periodically. Binders will be stored in the classroom.

Students are required to bring their sketchbook to class every time, failure to do so will result in a lower grade. Assignments for the sketchbook will be assigned in class. Sketchbook will be graded periodically throughout the grading period.

NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED!

HOUSEKEEPING THE DARKROOM:

Never leave the area before you go back and see what you left behind. We share a facility. Good negatives and prints can't be made in a messy lab. In consideration of classmates you must leave the lab areas free of litter and chemical spills. Pick up all your stuff. Deposit trash in the waste can. All equipment must be placed back in its place. Always allow a few minutes to do this before you leave. Remind each other. Grades are reduced if messes are left. Others see leaving a mess as disrespect and hostility. It makes them angry and saps creative energy from their work. ALL ENLARGERS ARE TO BE SIGNED OUT EVERY TIME. REPORT MALFUNCTIONING OR MISSING EQUIPMENT OR SUPPLIES TO THE INSTRUCTOR IMMEDIATELY

DARKROOM RULES:

 Each student is responsible for maintaining the darkroom and cleaning up after themselves. Failure to do so will result in loss of darkroom use.

 No wet prints or hands on or near enlarger stations.

 Observe the order of the chemicals in both film and print processing.

 You will use a tray when bringing a test strip or print into the classroom for evaluation or to the print dryer.

 Replace all lab materials to their original spot after use.

 Be careful with chemicals. Protect your eyes. Avoid excessive contact with chemicals. Some chemicals give some people skin rash, use tongs or gloves if necessary. Chemicals might stain jewelry and will stain your clothing, wear an apron.

 If you are UNSURE about how to proceed in the darkroom, ASK for help.

 If you misuse or abuse equipment you will be responsible for it.


DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES:

 1st offense – VERBAL WARNING

 2nd offense – WRITTEN WARNING (will affect conduct grade). Loss of darkroom and computer privileges, with no class time to make up work. Arrangements must be made with the instructor for making up work before/after school

 3rd offense – DETENTION

 4th offense – Referral to administrator for further disciplinary action.

 Detentions are given with the full support of the Administration and will be served. You will be notified in writing if you receive a detention. Your parents will be responsible for making alternate transportation arrangements.


TEACHER AND STUDENT/PARENT COMMUNICATION:
Parents and students who have any questions or need to contact me can reach me at (305) 805-1900 or email me at bseijas@dadeschools.net. You can also access my website to view assignments, due dates and critique dates.

www.ReaganAperture.blogspot.com

“ I always thought good photos were like good jokes. If you have to explain it, it just isn’t that good.” – Anonymous